When I'm out of dinner ideas and it seems as if I have "nothing" in the fridge, I usually opt for breakfast for dinner. Team Phenix LOVES eggs, so it's typically a good option. However, sometimes I don't even have enough eggs to pull THAT meal together.

What to do? What to do??

Then it hits. I have just enough of a bunch of little things to make a meal if I make fried rice! The list of ingredients may look overwhelming, but everything comes together quickly AND the list of what you ABSOLUTELY need is flexible.

Start with

3 cups cold rice (don't ever throw out extra rice!)
4 tablespoons oil (I use a combination of regular Canola oil and Sesame oil below, but you can use just Canola)
3 eggs - scramble lightly with a fork
1 teaspoon dry sherry (optional, but if you have it in your pantry, use it!)
1/4 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoons soy sauce
OPTIONAL - For heat use homemade chili oil to finish

Then use an assortment of vegetables

1 cup small broccoli florets
1 -2 carrots peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 cup frozen peas, thawed (corn is a good substitute if you'd rather)
6-10 mushrooms, cut into slices 1/2 inch thick (OR diced if you're trying to hide them from picky eaters!)
2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Begin by getting all of your ingredients together (Mise en place) because the dish comes together quickly.When you're assembling your ingredients, break apart the rice with your hands to make sure there are no clumps. Individual grains only!Preheat a large skillet (medium high) and add a tablespoon of oil.

Cook the eggs into a soft scramble (there should be a shimmering, glassy look to the eggs). This will take about a minute.Remove the eggs from the heat and set aside in a bowl.Add another tablespoon oil to the pan, swirling to coat. When hot, add all of the veggies (except the peas) and stir every 20-30 seconds or so until they just begin to soften. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

Then add the teaspoon of sherry if you're using it and cook another minute.

Then add the peas and cook another minute. Peas are more delicate than the other veggies which is why I put them in later. If you are substituting corn, that would also go in at this stage.

Remove the veggies and put them in the bowl with the egg.

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan. If you are using sesame seed oil, this is where you would use it! When the oil is hot, add the rice and cook until it is lightly brown, about 5 minutes.

Next add the stock to the pan and stir throughout.Then, add the soy sauce and the green onion.

After stirring the rice mixture, add the veggies and egg from the bowl. Adjust the seasoning with salt & pepper to taste. (Add a dash of chili oil for heat if you're so inclined!)Presto! Dinner is ready!Enjoy!

Easy Fried Rice